For several years now, production company Deep Bridge has been bringing a vibrant family spectacular during the year-end season: witty, playful, and yet educational too. Dance and song mixed with a touch of madness. This time inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous book 'Alice in Wonderland'. He published it in 1865, based on stories he told to young Alice Liddell. This vivid tale has captivated generation after generation and continues to enchant...
Christmas vacation—the children are off school and parents have saved up a few days of leave. A white Christmas isn't in the forecast this time, but there's definitely some magic to be found in the theater. 'Alice in Wonderland' opens the door to an imaginative universe. Armed with tons of artistic prowess to dazzle young audiences, production company Deep Bridge pulls out all the stops to create an entertaining and engaging spectacle. Experiencing a live performance makes a theater visit for children special and unique. It's an interactive experience space.
Alice's Journey of Discovery
The stage of the City Theater has been transformed into a vast cavern with oversized mushrooms on either side. Alice, played by Hanne Lefever (alternating with Jeanne Herbots and Ute Bastiaenssens), is lost. A white rabbit (Sander Gillis) crosses her path, snatches her book from her hands, and bolts away with it. Alone and desperate, she chases after him and tumbles into a bewildering world. The clock, teapot, keyhole, playing cards... all find their place.
An ensemble of 18 characters sings and dances with infectious joy. In colorful, stunning costumes, the performers make their characters their own. The constantly bickering duo Tweedledee (Charlotte Suijs) and Tweedledum (Janis Vercaempst), the caterpillar (Daan Keisse), the hatter (Nardin De Moor), the Cheshire Cat (Line Ellegiers), the March Hare (Jozefien Grossen), and particularly impressive is the piano act of the Dormouse (Remi De Smet). It's striking how young Hanne Lefever makes the role of Alice her own—a natural talent. She sings with poise and confidence to the catchy music, delivering some beautiful songs.
The Queen of Hearts, played by radio presenter Anke Buckinx, doesn't quite convince. Among all the professionals, she makes a rather weak impression.
A hat tip to costume designer Elvira Van Bavinckhove. She came up with an elegant solution for the cards. The performers wear long flowing white jackets with hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. The choreography by Laurent Flament, particularly the card game sequence, is punchy and refreshing.
The courtroom scene is well-directed. A nice effect is achieved with a few mobile set pieces.
The performers occasionally venture into the audience, which naturally increases interaction with the young spectators. A lovely family spectacle that touches on vulnerability, empathy, forgiveness, and humor.
There are performances until January 4th in Antwerp. After that, the production moves to the Trixxo Theater in Hasselt from Friday, January 9th through Sunday, January 11th. Recommended age: 6 and up.
